Israel National News

First time

First time: IDF soldiers light Hanukkah candles at Hasmonean Palaces

For the first time, IDF soldiers held an official Hanukkah candle lighting ceremony at the site of the Hasmonean Palaces in Binyamin.

Over $1M donated

Sydney hero who disarmed terrorist: 'I’d do it again'

Wounded while saving lives at the Bondi attack, he says he would repeat his actions as a global crowdfunding effort surges in support.

Eric Adams

Eric Adams: Sydney massacre is the 'actualization of globalize the intifada'

Outgoing NYC Mayor announces increase to security for Jewish institutions over Hanukkah, notes that the Bondi shooting is the end result of extreme violent anti-Zionist rhetoric.

In solidarity with Australian Jews

Levite choir sings on the Temple Mount in solidarity with Australian Jews

A group of Levites sang the final verse of 'Maoz Tzur' at Judaism's holiest site in memory of the victims of the horrific terror attack in Sydney.

Hannukah candles at the Brandenburg Gate

For the first time, the Chief Rabbi of Israel lit the first candle at the Brandenburg Gate in Germany.

It looked like the Holocaust:

After the synagogue was burned, holy books were buried

Hundreds of holy books were buried this week in Ukraine, after the historic synagogue of the Sadigora Hasidic community was burned.

Defense Ministry moves strategic projects to Jerusalem

An agreement signed today between the Ministry of Defense and the Jerusalem Municipality will regulate the transfer of security infrastructures and strategic projects to the capital.

Israel Justice Organization honors Fox News host Brian Kilmeade

The Israel Justice Organization held its high-profile summit last week in New York City, honoring Fox News host Brian Kilmeade as a steadfast ally in the fight against antisemitism and for strong US-Israel ties.

Policemen ran away:

Rabbi recounts daughter’s survival of Bondi Beach terror attack, slams police response

Rabbi Yosef Eichenblatt expresses harsh criticism of local police and deep concern over what he says is the Australian government’s failure to confront rising antisemitism.

Five Years Later:

Five Years Later: Defamation suit may reveal new details of Sandak case

A defamation suit filed by a Judea and Samaria District police officer against right-wing activists may lead to the disclosure of new evidence in the case of Ahuvya Sandak's death.

Names of eight victims of Sydney attack published

The names of eight of the 15 victims of the murderous attack at a Hanukkah event in Bondi Beach have been released. Police believe the massacre was carried out by a father and son.

Bondi Beach Witness:

Bondi Beach Witness: 'Shots started and everyone fled in panic'

Sara Valanunu, a JNF representative in Australia, recounted the Bondi Beach massacre in an interview with Israeli media.

Exiled Syrian leader pursues medical career in Moscow

Assad family live in Russian luxury as 'Bashar returns to work in ophthalmology - doing what he always loved.'

Am Yisrael Chai:

Sydney community rabbi offers a message of strength: 'Am Yisrael Chai'

Rabbi Nathanel Friedler of Kehillat Masada in Sydney, Australia issues a strengthening message following the shocking murders: 'The 2025 Hanukkah candles will never be forgotten in Sydney.'

Fox News host Brian Kilmeade: '9/11 for US is 10/7 for Israel'

Speaking at the Israel Justice Organization Summit in NYC, Brian Kilmeade compares diplomacy to sports, saying that both the US and Israel sometimes err in good faith, while their adversaries act with clear malice.

The miracle they don't talk about: ZAKA hero who saved hundreds now needs saving

Chanukah celebrates miracles. The miracle no one talks about: Natan Kenig spent months under fire ensuring no missing persons from October 7. Every family got closure. He gave everything. Now the miracle-maker is falling.

56-year-old takes murdered Rabbi's name at circumcision ceremony

A 56-year-old man from Russia took for himself the name of a Chabad emissary murdered in the Bondi Beach attack during his circumcision ceremony.

Menorah of Cast Lead:

Rare 1,300-year-old lead pendant decorated with a menorah uncovered on Temple Mount

How did an ancient pendant made of cast lead, decorated on both sides with a seven-branched menorah, come to Jerusalem at a time when Jewish presence in the city was restricted?

Bondi Beach Chabad rabbi: 'Terrorists will not stifle our lives as Jews'

Chabad rabbi of Sydney’s Bondi Beach calls on Jews to respond with faith, unity, and renewed strength, 'All they want to do is bring us down, kill us, make us lose hope, but terror will not stifle our lives as Jews.'

Life Of Kindness:

Life Of Kindness: United Hatzalah motorcycle medic killed in crash

Hami Erlanger, a father of five from Harish and a United Hatzalah volunteer, has been identified as the man killed in the road accident on Route 611.

Israel Chief Rabbi:

Israel Chief Rabbi Kalman Meir Ber: 'Wake up, this is not only our problem'

At a Hanukkah candle lighting ceremony at Berlin’s Brandenburg Gate, Israel’s Chief Rabbi Kalman Meir Ber urges world leaders to act against rising antisemitism.

Bnei Menashe in India light the first Hanukkah candle

Hundreds of members of the Bnei Menashe community gathered in Churachandpur, India, to light the first Hanukkah candle, marking a historic moment for descendants of the tribe of Manasseh who only recently began celebrating the holiday.

Estimate:

Estimate: Iranian based terror cell carried out the Sydney attack

The Telegraph reports that the massacre, in which 16 people were murdered and about 42 injured, was planned with in a Hezbollah-related style.

Kedumim:

Kedumim: A mentally unstable young man attempted to stab soldiers, was neutralized

A mentally unstable young man attempted to stab (two) soldiers at the Kedumim gas station this morning. An armed citizen neutralized him. No injuries were reported.

Drama in Hollywood:

Drama in Hollywood: Director Rob Reiner, wife found dead in Brentwood home

Rob Reiner and wife Michele Singer Reiner found dead in their Brentwood home. LAPD homicide detectives are investigating. People magazine reports their son is suspected of the murder.

Netanyahu to Supreme Court:

Netanyahu to Supreme Court: You must not interfere in ministerial appointments

Prime Minister submits his response to petitions filed with the Supreme Court against the continued tenure of National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir. “An unconstitutional attempt to oust a government minister.”

The coalition’s outline and the political firestorm

Coalition proposes that the inquiry committee into October 7 will consist of six or seven members. In the first stage, the Speaker of the Knesset will submit a proposed composition within 14 days, which requires the approval of 80 Members of Knesset.

Starmer lights Hanukkah candle, condemns Sydney terror attack

British PM Keir Starmer lights Hanukkah’s first candle with his wife, condemns antisemitic Sydney attack and pledges UK solidarity with Australia and the Jewish community.

Ex-hostage Omer Shem Tov:

Ex-hostage Omer Shem Tov: Trump’s victory struck fear in Hamas tunnels

Omer Shem Tov, held 505 days by Hamas, says Trump’s election struck fear in captors: “I saw the fear in their eyes.”

Report:

Report: ASIO probed Sydney attacker years before deadly Hanukkah rampage

Australian intelligence probed one of the Bondi Beach terrorists six years ago over ISIS ties, yet he joined his father in killing 15 at Hanukkah event.

Father-in-law of Sydney victim urges strength after massacre

Rabbi Yehoram Ulman, senior rabbi in the Sydney community, mourns his son-in-law Rabbi Eli Schlanger killed in Bondi Beach Hanukkah terror attack, and urges Jews to continue the victims’ mission, resist despair, and remain united.

Report:

Report: Person of interest arrested in Brown University shooting is Benjamin Erickson

CNN reports that authorities detained 24-year-old Benjamin Erickson after the Brown University shooting that killed two and injured nine. FBI searched his family’s Wisconsin home.

Amsterdam:

Amsterdam: Violent protests against performance of Israel’s Chief Military Cantor

Violent protests against IDF Chief Cantor Shai Abramson take place in Amsterdam, after pro-Palestinian Arab demonstrators opposed his performances in the city. Police arrest suspects.

After Sydney attack

Trump urges Jews to 'celebrate proudly' after Sydney Hanukkah attack

Trump urges Jews to “celebrate proudly” after the antisemitic Sydney attack, condemning the violence and praising the bravery of the man who stopped one of the attackers.

Just before Hanukkah

California Jewish home targeted in drive-by shooting just before Hanukkah

Police investigate drive-by shooting at Redlands Jewish home decorated for Hanukkah; ADL, officials condemn antisemitic attack. Suspect remains at large.

Netanyahu:

Netanyahu: 'Safest place in the world for Jewish people is Israel'

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his wife Sara light first Hanukkah candle with Israel Police officers, family of last remaining hostage Ran Gvili. 'Safest place for Jewish people is where the government, army, & security forces will defend them.'

PM Albanese avoids questions about failure to protect Jews

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, NSW Premier Chris Minns and police chiefs vowed to combat antisemitism, announced nationwide security measures, and confirmed the attackers were a father and son.

Body found in Yarkon River identified as that of missing teen

The body located in the Yarkon River following extensive searches has been identified as that of missing Bnei Brak teen Eliyahu Aba Shaul, 19.

This is Shas' demand from the coalition parties

Shas chief Aryeh Deri attempts to encourage support for Draft Law, demanding greater involvement on the part of Likud MKs.

Ivanka Trump:

Ivanka Trump: 'The world needs more light and more Kiddush Hashem'

Marking the first night of Hanukkah, the US president’s daughter said the Sydney terror attack underscores the need for compassion, sanctifying G-d’s name, and bringing light into a dark world.